The Johnson Group’s growth and evolution has created a rich history. Although not yet defined, it was clear from the beginning that our Guiding Principles were paving the path for rapid and profitable growth.
JDA, OTO, and ACA all are fortunate to have team members who have been with their companies for many years. We asked a few of these team members from across The Johnson Group to reflect on the evolution of our companies and their careers.
Since its founding in 2007, ACA has grown to over $4.7 billion in assets, serves 10 out of the top 10 dealer groups in the country and has provided reliable and affordable transportation to over 325,000 customers.
"In the beginning, I would walk expense reports over to the Accounts Payable team for them to manually file. Although the processes have changed dramatically in their efficiency, the core mission and values of our company have stayed the same. I believe this will remain true regardless of ACA’s size."
"ACA initially had only 16 associates who all sat on one floor, and now we have almost 1,000 associates across three locations and additional support from our partners at KM2, a company based in the Caribbean that assists our Servicing and Originations teams. Our leadership and HR teams have placed focus on the adoption of the Guiding Principles and our vision statement which has set high expectations for our associates, customers, and dealer partners."
OTO Development was founded in 2004 upon the sale of Extended Stay America (ESA) to Blackstone. On the very day the deal closed, OTO’s founders, including George D. Johnson, Jr., Corry Oakes, and Todd Turner, established OTO Development, LLC with the business plan to develop and manage great select-service hotels with the best brands in the top markets in the United States. Since then, OTO has partnered with four brand partners – Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and most recently, IHG. The team is comprised of over 130 team members who have worked with OTO since its founding.
"I started with OTO in 2009 and knew almost immediately that I wanted to grow my future here and be a part of the culture for a long time. In my 12 years, I have been able to constantly learn and have seen the core values reflected in the way OTO takes care of their associates and customers."
"It is incredible to be part of a company that has grown so much and so rapidly. Only 10 years later and OTO not only owns and manages their own portfolio of hotels, but also manages and operates properties for investors and continues to seek out new property development opportunities. OTO makes me feel that I am part of something special and has shown me that growing with a company is possible."
Since its founding in 1986, JDA has developed over 25 million square feet of industrial property, 28 multifamily communities, and 63 self-storage properties. In addition to its headquarters in Spartanburg, it operates six regional offices nationwide. The drive to develop a career within an evolving company and make an impact on its growth is one of the defining features of long-tenured teammates at JDA.
"Since joining JDA in 2007, whenever an opportunity arose to build my knowledge or secure additional certifications, JDA leadership was extremely supportive. Knowing that my employer supports and encourages growth in my field makes me feel my contributions are appreciated."
"During one of our weekly meetings, we were together to hear the news of the September 11th attacks. The first words spoken by Mr. Johnson were to uplift and encourage us to be with our families, while also reminding us that the economy would take a hit but would rebound quickly and JDA would be right there to help with the restart. At that moment when we could have all lost hope for our futures, Mr. Johnson made it clear that we would survive and continue to grow as a company...The incredible vision of the Johnsons has always been the catalyst for the growth of the company, and that has never wavered during my 20 years working here. As associates, we can operate confidently with the knowledge that we will always have new ventures to pursue. "